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As with fibromyalgia, there are no diagnostic laboratory or imaging tests available for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), and many physicians are not adequately informed or educated about it.

Medical history and physical examination are the keys for making the diagnosis. The medical history should include a detailed pain history, including when and how the pain began, the exact location of pain, which treatment therapies have been attempted (and their results) as well as any incidences of trauma, repetitive motion injuries or illness present.

When performing the physical examination, the physician will focus on the areas of pain and discomfort and observe the patient’s movements and posture. To enable the identification of the characteristic trigger points (TrPs), the patient should be as relaxed as possible. The physician will feel the muscles by palpation (applying pressure with one to three fingers and the thumb) to locate the TrPs, which consist of tender, hard (or ropy) knots or nodules surrounded by what feels like normal muscle tissue. Once a TrP has been located, the local twitch response may be elicited as muscle or skin twitching.

A physician will look for the four types of TrPs associated with MPS:

* Active TrPs. Areas of extreme tenderness located in skeletal muscles resulting in local or regional chronic pain.

* Latent TrPs. Dormant (inactive) areas in the muscles that can potentially become painful when activated by factors, such as palpation, trauma, stress or illness.

* Secondary TrPs. Hyper-irritable areas in the muscles, which become active due to the presence of other TrPs and muscular overload in other muscles.

* Satellite myofascial points. Hypersensitive spots in the muscles that become active because they are located within the region of other TrPs.

Physicians may perform additional diagnostic tests to help exclude certain other conditions with similar symptoms or identify conditions exacerbating the symptoms. These can include:

* Blood tests such as:
- Complete blood count. Measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a patient’s blood as well as the amount of hemoglobin (a substance that carries oxygen throughout the body) in the red blood cells and a number of other factors. Some rheumatic conditions or certain drugs used in the treatment of arthritis are associated with low counts of white blood cells (leukopenia), red blood cells (anemia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia).
- Enzyme test. A group of blood and/or urine tests that measure enzymes (proteins required for chemical reactions to take place in cells) levels in the blood. These tests assess how well the body’s systems are functioning and whether any tissue damage has occurred.
- Sedimentation rate. Can indicate the presence of inflammation typical of many forms of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) and many of the connective tissue diseases (e.g., lupus).
- Testing for levels of vitamins C, B1, B6, B12 and folic acid in the blood. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been associated with MPS.

*Other tests, such as:
- Ultrasound. An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images inside the body. It is more effective than an x-ray in displaying soft tissue masses and can show tears in ligaments, muscles, tendons and other soft tissue masses in the back that may be responsible for the pain.
- Thermography. A safe and noninvasive technique that uses infrared or liquid crystal light recorders to take thousands of pictures of the body. The information is then converted into electrical signals, which results in a computer-generated two-dimensional picture of abnormally cold or hot areas indicated by color or shades of black and white. Thermography may be used to detect vascular disease of the head and neck, soft tissue injury, various neuromuscular disorders, and the presence or absence of nerve root compression.
- Electromyography (EMG). A test that measures the electrical activity generated by active muscles to assess nerve function and diagnose causes of neuromuscular problems.

Physicians may also require formal or informal assessments to detect potential mood and sleep disturbances, such as depression, anxiety and insomnia, which are common related symptoms of MPS.

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Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is primarily associated with chronic regionalized musculoskeletal pain. The pain may be aggravated by poor sleep, inactivity, anxiety and stress. Other signs and symptoms include:

* Multiple trigger points (TrPs). Areas of extreme tenderness in a skeletal muscle or muscle group, which are associated with local or regional pain. These points can also cause referred pain to other areas of the body, such as the jaw, neck, back, buttocks, thigh, leg, knees, calf, foot and/or heel.
* Muscle stiffness or weakness with a tendency to drop objects. However, there is no sign of muscle atrophy.
* Fatigue.
* Difficulty in sustaining repetitive motor tasks because of increased pain and fatigue.
* Migraines and other headaches.
* Mood disturbances (e.g., irritability, depression, anxiety).
* Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea).

Other symptoms, including:

* Joint pain
* Earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), orofacial pain, dental pain or teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
* Heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome
* Excessive menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
* Painful intercourse
* Increased sweating, lacrimation (secretion of tears) and salivation
* Shortness of breath
* Dizziness
* Vision problems

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Because of limited clinical research, the causes of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are not thoroughly understood. However, physicians have identified several factors that can lead to the development of one or more trigger points (TrPs) resulting in chronic musculoskeletal pain. These include:

* Trauma to the musculoskeletal tissues (e.g., muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae)
* Repetitive motion injuries, such as bursitis or tennis elbow
* Poor posture and ergonomics
* Skeletal asymmetry (e.g., gait disturbances such as leg-length discrepancies, short upper arms)
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Nervous tension or stress
* Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism)
* Sleep deprivation
* Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low levels of calcium, potassium, iron and vitamins C, B1, B6 and B12)
* Hormonal changes, such as occurs during menstruation and menopause
* Chilling areas of the body (e.g., sitting under an air conditioning vent for long periods of time)
* Alcohol
* Smoking cigarettes
* Overexertion

Additionally, many chronic illnesses may activate TrPs, such as:

* Viral or bacterial infections
* Inflammatory diseases including:

- Rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation of the joints that can lead to damage, pain and reduced movement.
- Fibromyalgia. A rheumatic condition characterized by widespread pain in the joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, among other symptoms. MPS can also co-exist with fibromyalgia.
- Appendicitis, gallbladder or stomach inflammation.
- Lupus. An autoimmune disorder that can affect many systems, including the skin, joints and internal organs.

* Other conditions, such as abnormal levels of blood sugar (e.g., diabetes, hypoglycemia), heart attack, hyperuricemia (buildup of uric acid in the blood, associated with gout and kidney stones), and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).

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Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal disorder that can develop in one or more skeletal muscles, resulting in chronic pain. “Myo” refers to muscle, and “fascia” is a membrane that covers muscles.

MPS is defined by the presence of trigger points (“TrPs”). Responsible for causing the pain, TrPs are localized areas of deep tenderness in the taut bands of skeletal muscles. They which may occur as a result of trauma, a repetitive motion injury, prolonged improper posture or an illness such as arthritis, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

TrPs are commonly found in the muscles of the trunk and head (axial muscles), especially those used for maintaining posture, in people of all ages. When pressure is applied, TrPs cause a local twitch response, also known as a “jump sign,” that is an involuntary shortening of the fibrous muscle band.

When felt (palpated), TrPs feel extremely tender and lumpy, like hardened nodules or peas. Not only are TrPs very painful, but they also transmit (“refer”) pain to other parts of the body. For instance, TrPs in the head, neck and upper back may result in headaches, TMJ-like jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or lower back pain. The referred pain is often described as dull, aching and deep, and it can be constant or sporadic.

MPS patients often have TrPs in more than one location. Just applying pressure on a TrP will elicit the referred pain. If the patient has chronic pain, palpation can worsen the pain.

TrPs can be classified as either active or latent. Active TrPs cause ongoing, persistent pain, whereas latent TrPs are inactive until pressure is applied. In addition, psychological stress, muscle tension and physical factors such as poor body mechanics and posture and ergonomics can cause a latent TrP to become active.

The likelihood of developing active TrPs increases with age. Research suggests that sedentary people are more prone to develop active TrPs than individuals who exercise regularly. However, overexertion can aggravate the condition. When palpated, both active and inactive TrPs cause pain, decreased range of motion and weakness in the affected muscle group as well as a decreased ability of the muscle to stretch.

Often, active TrPs can trigger secondary TrPs or satellite myofascial points that respond because of the increased stress to the involved muscle groups.

* A secondary TrP can occur when a person avoids using the affected muscle and instead overloads another muscle used in compensation.

* A satellite myofascial point occurs when the pain from the affected muscle spreads to a nearby muscle. The new area of pain occurs because the muscle is located within the referred pain region of another TrP.

Though pain is the main component of this syndrome, MPS may also involve fatigue in addition to disturbances in sleep and mood (e.g., insomnia, depression, anxiety). Myofascial pain syndrome is not inflammatory, degenerative (such as osteoarthritis) or life-threatening, but it does impair quality of life. However, prognosis for recovery is good if treatment is started early and factors aggravating the TrPs are corrected or eliminated.

MPS is common and can affect men and women alike. However, patients with the syndrome are often misdiagnosed because not enough is known about it and symptoms are similar to various other conditions and disorders, such as, fibromyalgia, migraines, TMJ disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, it is possible for MPS and fibromyalgia to co-exist in a patient. In such cases, each disorder reinforces and exacerbates the symptoms of the other.

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Fibromyalgia is a complex condition. There is much concerning it that remains unknown. Research on fibromyalgia includes:

* Studies are under way by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) regarding fibromyalgia and low levels of the hormone cortisol. Researchers are studying the function of the adrenal glands (responsible for producing cortisol) in fibromyalgia patients. Initial results indicate that individuals with low levels of cortisol may experience many symptoms of fibromyalgia.

In addition, scientists in Germany have recently found that prenatal stress may permanently impair the fetus’ production of cortisol and that girls born after a stressful pregnancy may face increased risk of developing fibromyalgia in adulthood.

* Clinical studies supported by NIAMS are investigating pain mechanisms in fibromyalgia. Some of these are comparing the pain mechanisms in fibromyalgia and lower back pain. Others are looking into the effects of female reproductive hormones and reduced blood flow to parts of the brain that deal with pain or increased sensitivity to pain.

* NIAMS is funding a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of combining antidepressants in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

* The National Institutes of Health is investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Research projects dealing with the role of behavioral factors in fibromyalgia are being funded by NIAMS. These projects are evaluating the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and physical exercise training to determine if these therapies may be more effective together than alone.

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There is no known cure or preventive method for fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be treated. Treatment usually concentrates on reducing symptoms and improving function. No one treatment method can control all symptoms. In fact, most options control only one or two. This makes finding the right combination important.

Other conditions, including many that are symptoms of or occur simultaneously with fibromyalgia (e.g., migraines, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome) should be treated, as they may aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms when uncontrolled.

Finding the right physician is crucial in treating fibromyalgia. An empathetic physician who understands the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia and is willing to listen to and work with the patient is important.  A family physician may send a fibromyalgia patient to a rheumatologist. Patients’ self-education is a key to better results. Individuals are encouraged to keep communication with their physicians open. It may help to make a list of everything that needs to be discussed and bring it along to appointments. All treatment options, including those individuals can do on their own, should be discussed with a physician.

In 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave its first approval of a medication specifically to treat fibromyalgia: an anticonvulsant called pregabalin (Lyrica). This drug is also used to relieve diabetic nerve pain, post-shingles pain and some types of seizures.

Other medications may also reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia. These include:

* Antidepressants. Used in lower doses when treating fibromyalgia than when treating depression, unless the patient is also suffering with depression. Even at low doses, side effects are common, including dry mouth, weight gain, constipation and lack of concentration. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) relax muscles and heighten the effects of endorphins and may be taken at bedtime to help promote restorative sleep. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) promote the release of serotonin and may reduce fatigue.

* Analgesics (painkillers). Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be used to help with the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Stronger narcotic (opioid) preparations are sometimes prescribed in severe cases. These drugs have the potential for tolerance and dependence.

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Usually used to treat inflammation, NSAIDs also help to relieve pain caused by inflammation and may help ease muscle aches in fibromyalgia patients.

* Benzodiazepines. A kind of tranquilizer, which acts on the central nervous system to reduce anxiety, relax tense, painful muscles and stabilize erratic brain waves. They may be administered at bedtime to help with sleep, but there is a potential for dependence in some patients, and they should not be used for long periods of time.

Muscle relaxants may be prescribed, but they are usually not very effective even though sometimes they work by acting as depressants on the central nervous system.

Most medications useful in the treatment of adults with fibromyalgia have demonstrated little or no effect in children, though TCAs have had good results in pediatric patients.

Nutrition may also play an important role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Proper nutrition ensures that the body has what it needs to function and heal. Fibromyalgia patients have been encouraged to reduce certain foods (e.g., corn, wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, sugar). Doing so is believed to help improve symptoms of pain, depression, fatigue, headache and digestive tract difficulties.

Remaining active as much as possible is a must for fibromyalgia patients. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease pain and increase endurance and may be essential to managing fibromyalgia, but it must be done correctly. Most fibromyalgia patients will need to modify their old exercise habits. Eccentric contraction (contracting and lengthening at the same time, such as with reaching motions) should be avoided. It is recommended for fibromyalgia patients to start at a low level of exercise and increase gradually, working with low-impact forms of exercise such as walking. The type of exercise activity should be alternated at least every 20 minutes.

Fibromyalgia patients are more likely to experience more intense and longer-lasting pain than healthy individuals. Muscle soreness may be minimized with relaxation, heat, steady breathing and drinking plenty of water. Stretching is important to lengthen muscles and maintain their length, help muscles relax, improve ability to move muscles and decrease pain. Proper exercise has been shown to decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia and reduce severity of symptoms.

Striving for restful sleep is important in the treatment of fibromyalgia. A healthy sleep regimen is crucial to improving sleep and includes:

*Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day
*Avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol before bed
*Avoiding eating immediately before bed
*Practicing relaxation exercises while falling to sleep
*Avoiding exercising within three hours of bedtime
*Maintaining a sleep environment that is quiet, free from distractions such as TV and of comfortable room temperature

In some cases, sleep medications may be helpful, particularly when sleep is disturbed by aggravating conditions such as restless leg syndrome.

Many other therapies may be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. It is important to find therapists specially trained and educated for working with fibromyalgia. A physician may be able to recommend a qualified therapist. Not all therapies are equally efficient and what works for one patient may not work for another. Treatments that have demonstrated benefits for patients with fibromyalgia include:

* Manipulation therapy. For example, massage that progresses slowly during deep muscle work produces results that seem to last a considerable time. Another variation, myofascial release, involves working on tight, contracted muscles and trigger points to release or stretch out the problem areas. Although fibromyalgia is not spinal, some patients have reported that proper chiropractic care by therapists specially trained to work with fibromyalgia helps reduce pain.

* Relaxation techniques. Relaxation may be employed to manage pain and stress. Deep breathing, visual imagery and relaxing audio may be used as effective tools for relaxation.

* Physical therapy. Physical therapists can give instruction in exercise and supply pain-relieving modalities such as heat therapy.

* Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can offer instruction in conserving energy, simplifying tasks, modifying the home and using adaptive equipment.

* Acupressure. Pressure is used on target points of the body to control symptoms.

* Acupuncture. Needles are inserted into target points of the body to provide pain relief and improve sleep patterns. Controversy remains as to the effectiveness of the use of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia, but some studies show significant beneficial results.

* Cryotherapy (cold therapy). Cold therapy is used for chronic pain to increase the pain threshold. Too much cold can cause nerve damage.

* Thermotherapy (heat therapy). Heat therapy is usually practiced in rehabilitation to relieve joint stiffness. Moist heat penetrates deeper into the muscle and offers more relaxation than dry heat. Too much heat can cause burns. Heat should not be used on sensitive skin or when using analgesics.

* Cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps individuals change the way they view and think about pain to increase their ability to positively deal with illness. The concept used is that individuals’ perceptions of themselves and their surroundings affect their emotions and behavior.

* Biofeedback. Information about typically unconscious bodily functions (e.g., muscle tension and blood pressure) is used to help gain conscious control over those functions. Electrodes are placed on the muscles to identify which are in use. People can then try to consciously lower muscle tension in that area.

* Injection therapy. Physicians may inject medication into tender points to offer pain relief. These injections are used only when one specific area remains painful and offer only temporary relief. The injection of lidocaine has been shown to reduce pain and improve mood for up to a few  days, but the injection of local anesthetics and corticosteroids have shown no proven benefit over injecting local anesthetics alone.

* Spray and stretch technique. Therapists spray a muscle with a topical anesthetic to numb the area and then stretch out the painful, contracted muscle to reduce pain and stiffness. Many therapists use ice instead of the spray, since the spray is costly and ice works just as effectively.

* Stress management. Individuals use stress management techniques to reduce stress. Stress may aggravate symptoms of fibromyalgia.

* Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis may be used to induce a trance-like state of altered awareness and perception during which there may be heightened responsiveness to suggestions to manage stress, induce deep relaxation and reduce muscle pain.

* Magnet therapy. Some individuals use magnets to try to increase blood flow and help symptoms. Although this is one of the most widely used complementary treatments, studies have shown no real benefit.

Patients are advised to consult their physician before considering any complementary or alternative therapy.

Many fibromyalgia patients have trouble coping with their disorder. There are many means to help an individual cope with fibromyalgia or any other chronic illness. Psychological counseling may also help. Fibromyalgia support groups can provide important information, encouragement and positive feelings.

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Most patients suffer with fibromyalgia for years before it is diagnosed. There are no diagnostic laboratory or imaging tests available for this disorder, and many physicians are not adequately informed or educated about it. Because there is no lasting tissue damage, fibromyalgia cannot be evaluated by the classical medical model, which uses degree of tissue damage for evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment are usually frustrating for the physician and the patient.

Medical history and physical examination are the keys for making the diagnosis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis in adults:

* Widespread pain in all four body quadrants. Pain must exist on the left and the right sides, and above and below the waist, and must persist for at least three months.

* Manual tender point survey (at least 11 of the 18 specified trigger points). A site is considered a tender point only if the individual feels pain upon the application of 4 kilograms (about 9 pounds) of pressure. Physicians may be trained to recognize “the feel” of this amount of force when applying pressure by finger.

There are different criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia in children:

* Widespread pain in three sites without any other underlying cause lasting at least three months.

* Presence of five to 11 trigger points, which may be identified at less than 4 kilograms of pressure. Some researchers have suggested a standard of 3 kilograms (about 7 pounds) of pressure for children.

* Between three to 10 other major criteria. These criteria include:
- Chronic anxiety or tension
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Chronic headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Soft-tissue swelling
- Numbness
- Pain varies with physical activity (more than with adult fibromyalgia)
- Pain varies with weather conditions (less than with adult fibromyalgia)
- Pain varies with anxiety and stress (less than with adult fibromyalgia)

These criteria do not have to be noted all in one examination but can be recorded over time.

In addition to the ACR criteria mentioned above, doctors rely upon thorough patient medical histories, patient-reported symptoms, clinical or physical examination, pain assessment forms and routine tests to help exclude certain other conditions with similar symptoms. Many conditions that mimic the symptoms of fibromyalgia must be ruled out. However, the presence of other diseases does not eliminate the possibility of a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Conditions that may be tested for include:

* Polymyalgia rheumatica. An episodic, chronic, inflammatory condition primarily affecting individuals over the age of 50. It is characterized by muscle stiffness and pain within the shoulders, hips, or other regions and is frequently associated with inflammation of certain large arteries. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation. A blood test may be used to verify the presence or absence of polymyalgia rheumatica.

* Osteoarthritis. A generally noninflammatory degenerative joint disease common in older individuals. It is marked by stiffness, tenderness, pain and potential deformity of affected joints. Fibromyalgia does not involve deformity but may coexist with osteoarthritis. Imaging tests may be used to diagnose osteoarthritis.

* Ankylosing spondylitis. A chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease primarily involving joints of the spine and leading to stiffness, pain and potential loss of spinal mobility. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or loss of spinal mobility. A diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis may involve imaging tests.

* Rheumatoid arthritis. A chronic disease primarily characterized by persistent inflammation of joints, resulting in discomfort, pain, swelling and potential deformity of the affected joints. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or deformity but may exist with rheumatoid arthritis. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis may involve blood and imaging tests.

* Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A chronic, inflammatory disorder that can involve many parts of the body, including joints, skin and kidneys. Fibromyalgia is not inflammatory but may exist with SLE. Blood and imaging tests may be used in the diagnosis of SLE.

Although there are no specific tests for fibromyalgia, certain abnormalities may be detected through blood tests, spinal tap or imaging tests. Levels of substance P (responsible for initiating pain signals) are high in the brain and spinal fluids, whereas levels of serotonin (responsible for reducing pain intensity) and growth hormone (responsible for building muscle) are low. These tests are not sensitive and specific for the disease and not commonly performed. Blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain is also low. Brain wave levels are high at night and low during the day. Normal findings in the levels of many blood chemicals may be used to eliminate other possible conditions.

Once fibromyalgia is diagnosed, physicians may require formal or informal assessments to detect potential mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety, and a sleep history including investigation into possible disturbances such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.

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Fibromyalgia is associated with a wide range of symptoms. Most studies report that these symptoms can be remarkably persistent and pervasive over the years, sometimes remaining as long as 15 years after onset. Most symptoms, however, do tend to improve over time.

Symptoms are typically worse during cold or damp weather, periods of emotional stress and at the beginning and end of the day. They may be aggravated by poor sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity or inactivity, anxiety or stress. Signs and symptoms include:

* Multiple tender points (trigger points). The presence of multiple tender points, usually at muscle-tendon junctions, is a major characteristic of fibromyalgia. These points are more susceptible to pain than the rest of the body.

* Chronic, widespread pain. Another major characteristic of fibromyalgia is tender skin and an overall reduction in pain threshold. The pain is most often within the muscles (myalgia). It may be confined to specific areas (e.g., neck, shoulders) early in the course of the disorder but usually spreads to other muscle groups over time (e.g., back, arms, legs, chest). This pain is often described as deep muscular aching, throbbing, twitching, stabbing and/or shooting pain. It may be accompanied by soreness, stiffness, numbness, tingling, burning and/or a crawling sensation. Though varying in intensity, some degree of muscle pain is always present. Pain behaviors such as limping, grimacing, or guarded movements and postures, may be easily noticeable and impair quality of life.

* Muscle stiffness. This is usually present upon awakening and tends to improve over time, but may remain throughout the day. Often, the joints feel swollen, although inflammation is not present.

* Fatigue. A general, all-encompassing exhaustion exists in the vast majority of fibromyalgia patients. Specific muscle fatigability and weakness is also increased. This fatigue tends to interfere with daily activities and may leave the individual with a limited ability to function, mentally and physically.

* Sleep problems. Includes disorders that prevent deep, restful, restorative sleep. An individual may have difficulties falling asleep or may be awakened repeatedly during the night. Other individuals may get a full night’s sleep, but awaken feeling unrefreshed and exhausted. Specific sleep problems, including sleep apnea (repeated episodes where an individual temporarily stops breathing) and bursts of awake-like brain activity that interrupts deep sleep may be observed.

* Headaches. More than half of all patients who have fibromyalgia report migraines and other headaches.

* Impaired cognitive function (“fibro fog”). Includes memory failure, poor working memory (ability to hold something in mind while using it for another mental process) and impairments in concentration, coordination and vocabulary retention. Research indicates that these individuals perform as poorly as healthy individuals 20 to 30 years their senior, although they retain a speed of mental processing roughly equal to healthy individuals their age.

* Hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity). Many fibromyalgia patients report heightened sensitivity to temperature, odors, sounds, lights and vibration. They also suffer from increased skin sensitivity.

* Mood disturbances. Irritability, depression and anxiety are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Depressed individuals may not be aware of or deny their depression, which can complicate the treatment of fibromyalgia. The presence of these symptoms may be due to many factors, including:

- Prolonged pre-diagnosis period
- Disrespectful medical treatment
- Grief and loss common to any chronic illness
- Poor support
- Sleep deprivation
- Other coexisting chronic health conditions
- Severe chronic pain
- Neurotransmitter abnormalities

* Difficulty in sustaining repetitive motor tasks. Many fibromyalgia patients report trouble performing repetitive activities such as typing because of increased pain and fatigue.

* Reduced physical efficiency. Decreased physical efficiency, due to a longer time required to accomplish tasks, is common.

* Variations in alertness. Many fibromyalgia patients report a diurnal (daytime) variation in energy levels and alertness and describe a window of opportunity at which they are at their best that typically extends from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* Other symptoms, including:

- Dry eyes and mouth
- Rashes
- Excessive menstrual pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and ear pain
- Painful intercourse
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Low-grade fever
- Below-normal temperature

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The underlying cause or causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but there are many theories. Research in brain imaging and neurosurgery are exploring these theories as well as identifying new ones. Possible causes include:

* Neuroplasticity. Faulty synaptic connections (the connections between the nerves). If prolonged, it can result in pain despite the absence of a source for that pain. One of the most classic examples of neuroplasticity is phantom limb phenomenon, where an individual feels touch and pain sensations in a missing limb after amputation. It is believed that the pain felt by fibromyalgia patients, which has no identifying cause at the pain site, may have some link to neuroplasticity. Just what this link is or how extensive it may be is not known.

* Neurotransmitters. Brain chemicals that help transmit and amplify pain signals. Fibromyalgia patients often have abnormal levels of these chemicals. Specifically, levels of substance P (responsible for initiating pain signals) are high, and levels of serotonin (responsible for reducing intensity of pain) are low. This is believed to be responsible for the hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity) to pain demonstrated by patients with fibromyalgia.

* Changes in muscle metabolism. Deconditioned muscles, such as those caused by a general lack of fitness, may play a role in causing fibromyalgia. Poor fitness can result in decreased blood circulation in the muscles, cell damage within muscle fibers, and decreased voluntary muscle strength. It is unknown whether the decreased strength and increased fatigue of such muscles are merely symptoms of fibromyalgia or linked to a cause of the disorder.

* Infections. Viral Lyme disease is an infection caused by a deer tick bite that can lead to problems if untreated.infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV, coxsackie virus) and bacterial infections such as Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) have preceded the onset of fibromyalgia in a large number of cases. These infections may cause abnormalities in the endocrine system that may lead to fibromyalgia.

* Physical or emotional trauma. According to the American Academy of Pain Management, trauma may play a role in causing fibromyalgia in some cases. Emotional trauma may lead to changes in brain chemistry, and physical trauma may affect the central nervous system. Either of these conditions may trigger fibromyalgia. It takes at least three months after a trauma incident for fibromyalgia to evolve, according to criteria of the American College of Rheumatology.

* Biological agents. Some physicians and researchers believe that there may be a link between specific biological agents (e.g., bacteria and toxins) and fibromyalgia. There is not a great deal of evidence to support this theory yet, but research is continuing.

* Genetics. Speculation remains as to how an individual’s genes regulate the way the body processes pain stimuli. Fibromyalgia may be associated with a gene or genes, but no such genes have yet been identified. However, the condition is more common among individuals closely related to fibromyalgia patients.

* Hormone changes. Some researchers believe that female reproductive hormones may be involved in the increased sensitivity to pain characterizing fibromyalgia. This may explain why the condition is far more prevalent in women.

* Sleep disturbances. Disrupted sleep patterns are a major symptom of fibromyalgia. Recent research indicates that these disturbed sleep patterns may be a cause rather than just a symptom.

Several factors lead to an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia. These include:

* Sex. Women are affected more often than men, although men may be underdiagnosed.
* Age. Onset of fibromyalgia occurs more often in early to middle adulthood than in childhood or late adulthood.
* Rheumatic disease. Fibromyalgia is found in increased numbers in individuals affected by rheumatic diseases.
* Family medical history. Individuals related to fibromyalgia patients have increased chances of developing fibromyalgia.
* Psychological and social factors. Fibromyalgia is found in increased numbers in individuals with histories of physical and sexual abuse, alcoholism or depression in their families.

In addition, the U.S. Institute of Medicine has found a higher prevalence of certain conditions in veterans deployed during the Gulf War of the early 1990s. These include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and a rare nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

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Certain conditions are commonly associated with fibromyalgia, though their exact links to the condition are not well understood.

The following conditions often appear along with fibromyalgia:

* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Characterized by frequent abdominal pain, bloating and episodes of alternating constipation and diarrhea. More than half of all fibromyalgia patients suffer from this condition.

* Migraines. Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer migraines and other headaches. Researchers have found that a common link may be problems with a brain chemical called serotonin and adrenal hormones such as cortisol or adrenergic nerve fibers.

* Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Characterized by uncontrollable contractions of the calf muscles and leg muscles that twitch, ache or feel like pins and needles. Many fibromyalgia patients experience this source of leg pain.

* Raynaud syndrome. Characterized by episodes of whitish and bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, associated with tingling sensations, numbness or pain and the subsequent redness of the affected areas. It is usually triggered by cold temperatures and strong emotions. Researchers have reported that nearly half of all fibromyalgia patients suffer from this disorder.

* Urethral syndrome. Characterized by the often severe urge to urinate without an identifiable cause, such as infection. Often associated with urinary frequency and pelvic pain.

* TMJ disorder. Commonly associated with fibromyalgia. It is characterized by:

- Jaw and facial pain or tenderness
- Limited jaw movement
- Clicking, snapping, or popping sounds while opening and closing the mouth
- Pain within the facial or jaw muscles, as well as in or around the ear
- Headaches

* Rheumatoid arthritis. A chronic disease primarily characterized by persistent inflammation of the joints, resulting in discomfort, pain, swelling and potential deformity of the affected joints. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or deformity but may exist with rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis patients are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

* Immune dysfunction. Fibromyalgia may cause a dysfunction with the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections.

A great deal of controversy remains as to the relationship between fibromyalgia and certain similar disorders. Two disorders seem particularly linked to fibromyalgia, although physicians and researchers disagree on whether these links are substantiated:

* Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A condition characterized by excessive fatigue that seriously impairs the patient’s ability to function. Many physicians believe that fibromyalgia and CFS may be different manifestations of the same underlying disorder. Both conditions share a large number of symptoms (e.g., headache, fatigue, pain) and similar physical abnormalities (e.g., reduced blood flow to key areas of the brain). Also, brain scans of fibromyalgia and CFS patients display very little difference. The most prominent difference lies in whether pain or fatigue is the most dominant symptom. Although fibromyalgia is the more common of the two, more than half of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia also fulfill the criteria for CFS.

* Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). A chronic disorder characterized by pain and tenderness confined to a specific body region, such as the neck and shoulders. Many researchers have suggested that this may be a localized or regional form of fibromyalgia.

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